- Student Visa (subclass 500) required for all non-Australian/New Zealand students — applied online via the Department of Home Affairs
- Tuition: AUD 20,000–45,000/year for international students at Group of Eight universities — lower at regional universities
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): 2–4 years post-study work authorisation after completing an Australian degree — duration depends on study location and level
- Australia Scholarships (Australia Awards) and university-specific scholarships available for students from developing countries
Australia is one of the world's most popular study destinations — combining world-class universities (7 in the global top 100 'Group of Eight'), a high quality of life, English as the language of instruction, and a post-study work pathway that is among the world's most valuable. The Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, and Monash University are globally recognised research institutions. Australia's multicultural society, extraordinary natural environment (Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Outback, pristine beaches), and outdoor lifestyle create a student experience unlike any other. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth each offer distinct urban characters.
Cost of Living
Australia is expensive. Sydney and Melbourne: monthly student budget AUD 2,200–3,500 (€1,350–€2,140). Brisbane, Adelaide: AUD 1,800–2,800. Perth: AUD 1,800–2,700. Regional university cities: AUD 1,400–2,200. Tuition at Group of Eight: AUD 20,000–45,000/year. University cafeteria meals: AUD 8–15. Restaurant meal: AUD 20–35. Monthly public transport pass (Sydney Opal, Melbourne Myki): AUD 150–200. International student minimum wage: AUD 24.10/hour (2024) — students can work 48 hours/fortnight during semester.
Housing
Australian universities provide on-campus residential colleges (the full residential experience is common at Australian universities). University residential college cost: AUD 18,000–30,000/year (includes meals). Off-campus options: shared house (AUD 250–450/week/room in Sydney and Melbourne; AUD 180–320 in Brisbane and Adelaide). Platforms: Domain, RealEstate.com.au, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace. Sydney housing is Australia's most expensive — international students frequently cite this as the biggest budget challenge. Exchange students should apply for on-campus housing through the university's International Office immediately on acceptance.
Visa & Entry
International students require a Student Visa (subclass 500) — apply online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Required: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution, proof of financial means (AUD 24,505/year plus tuition), English proficiency (IELTS 5.5–7.0 depending on course), health insurance (OSHC, mandatory), and valid passport. Apply at least 3 months before your programme start. Processing: 1–8 weeks (varies significantly). Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be purchased from Australian approved providers — cost approximately AUD 600–900/year.
Expat Life
Australia has one of the world's largest international student communities — approximately 700,000 international students (2024, recovering post-COVID). Australian campuses are highly multicultural — particularly Sydney and Melbourne, which are among the world's most diverse cities. Campus student unions are active and provide social, cultural, and welfare services. The combination of outdoor culture, sports, beach life, and multicultural food scene (Melbourne particularly is a world food capital) creates an extraordinary social environment.
Australia suits students who want world-class English-medium education in an extraordinary natural environment, science, engineering, and medical students targeting the Group of Eight research universities, students who want the post-study Graduate Visa (485) as a pathway to Australian permanent residency, and those who want to combine high-quality academics with the world's best outdoor lifestyle.
Australia is very expensive — particularly Sydney and Melbourne housing. OSHC is mandatory and adds to upfront costs. The 48-hour/fortnight work limit during semester is enforced. Australia's immigration rules have been changing — verify current Graduate Visa (485) duration and conditions. Extreme heat and UV radiation requires sun protection. Australia's distance from Europe means that home visits are expensive and time-consuming.
Practical Tips
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): purchase before arriving — required for student visa and provides healthcare coverage in Australia. Covers GP visits, hospital, and some specialist care. Providers: Medibank, BUPA, Allianz. Cost: AUD 600–900/year single.
- Tax File Number (TFN): apply at the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) online within first days of arrival — needed for employment and tax returns. Students can claim a tax refund at end of financial year (July) on any over-withheld tax.
- Get an Australian bank account: CommBank (Commonwealth Bank) and ANZ offer student accounts — needed for employment income (Australian employers pay by direct deposit). Wise and Revolut work well for international transfers.
- Opal/Myki/Go Card: Australia's major cities each have transit cards for public transport — get one on arrival. Sydney's Opal, Melbourne's Myki, and Brisbane's Go Card are loaded at convenience stores and stations.
- Working during studies: Student Visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited during official university breaks. Australian minimum wage (AUD 24.10/hour, 2024) makes even part-time work significant for living costs. Hospitality, retail, and university campus jobs are common for students.
- Unique experiences: the Australian student experience includes weekend beach trips, Great Barrier Reef diving (from Cairns, 2 hours from Brisbane), snorkelling in tropical waters, and surfing culture. The annual academic calendar (February–June and July–November) aligns with Australian summer/autumn and winter/spring — plan outdoor adventures accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?
The subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa) allows international graduates of Australian institutions to live and work in Australia after completing their degree — with full work rights (any employer, any job). Duration: 2 years (bachelor's or master's); 4 years (PhD); additional 2-year 'Regional Graduate' extension for graduates of regional institutions or those who undertake regional work. Apply within 6 months of completing your degree. Australia Awards Scholarship recipients have different conditions. The 485 is a bridge to permanent residency via the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa pathways.
Which Australian university is best for international students?
Australian National University (ANU, Canberra) — Australia's most research-intensive, QS world top 30; strong in humanities, sciences, law, international relations; small capital city setting. University of Melbourne — QS world top 35; broad excellence, strong medicine, law, arts, sciences; residential college tradition; Melbourne's world food capital. University of Sydney — QS world top 20; oldest Australian university (1850), strong law, business, medicine, architecture; Sydney Opera House as backdrop. University of Queensland (UQ, Brisbane) — QS world top 50; strong sciences, engineering, business; Brisbane's growing city energy. Monash University (Melbourne) — strong medicine, pharmacy, engineering; very large international student community.
Is Sydney or Melbourne better for studying?
Sydney: stunning harbour setting, Bondi Beach, Opera House, more tourist-oriented, slightly warmer. QS-ranked higher universities (USYD top 20 vs Melbourne top 35). More expensive housing. More famous globally. Melbourne: consistently voted world's most liveable city; world-class food and coffee culture (Melbourne coffee culture is a genuine phenomenon); better arts, music, and sports culture; slightly cheaper housing; weather is more variable ('four seasons in one day'). Most international students who've lived in both prefer Melbourne for quality of life; Sydney wins on scenery. Both are excellent choices.
Can international students work in Australia during studies?
Yes — Student Visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight (2 weeks) during semester and unlimited during official university holidays. Australian minimum wage (AUD 24.10/hour, 2024) is one of the world's highest — even 24 hours/fortnight generates AUD 578+ gross per fortnight, contributing meaningfully to living costs. Hospitality, retail, and campus jobs are most available for international students. Tax is withheld by employers — lodge a tax return at financial year end (October deadline) to claim any overpayment refund. A Tax File Number is required before starting work.
Official Resources
Updated 2026-04-12